Waterbury evening Democrat., 1887-12-23
CHAPTER XVII.
REPORTING TO SECRETARY STANTON Al
 PRESIDENT LINCOLN.

nave IOrSOCCen almOS5 eVeryCnlng that took place on this homaward voyage, if, indeed, my mind was not too nearly in the condition of waking dream to receive definite impressions. I saw some of the great gunboats as we drew near the mouth of James river, which looked like grim sentinels guarding the avenue to re- bellion. We were furnished comfortable blankets and when tired out, as much by unwonted emotions as by physical effort, we could lie down and slumber at our will.
 We arrived in Washington late in the afternoon-I know not of what day, but presume it was the day after leaving Richmond, which would be Thursday, March 19. I made no memoranda at this time, such as had not failed to keep dur ing the darkest parts Of our history. In my own experience joy was more over towering than sorrow.
 After supper we took our proposed walk, But once outside in the dark street, with no place to go, no money to buy anything and nobody to care for us, it began to seem rather lonely. We had been objects of so much solicitude for so long that we could scarcely help feeling a little neglected now that nobody prevent ed us from wandering in any direction we chose. Beside, we were not yet provided with new clothing. A regular requisition would have to be filled before our wants in that direction could be supplied; and the air was chilly. After wandering aim lessly for a few squares, looking in at the shop windows and staring at the great buildings, we turned and were soon back in the barracks. The room, which was well warmed, seemed very cozy. It was easy to consider the sentinels at the door ne r1 fn orS my, Q view of the case which greatly pleased the Tennesseeans. I really think we slept better than we would have done if at first class hotel.
 The next day, as had expected, all re- strictions were removed from the other members of the party; but we were in vited to make our home at the barracks, receiving regular soldiers rations, as long as convenient.
 We did not remain long. A wealthy and patriotic lady, Mrs. Tales, had fitted up pavilion in her yard in excellent style and kept it filled with convalescents from army hospitals, to whom she gave the attendance and most of the comforts of home life. Hearing our story, she ap- piled to the Ohio state agent, MT. J. c. Wetmorc, to secure us as lodgers. He visited us and carried the invitation, which we gratefully accepted. Here we lived in fine style, with all soldiers comforts, and excellent company. We had now received a suit of army blue and made bonfire of OUT Confederate rags; so that we were little less afraid of lady visitors. Our hostess made an evening reception for us, where there was an abundance of ice cream and cake-which did not remind us of anything in Dixie and had the privilege of telling our story to many sympathizing ladies. Having a very comfortable ambulance always at command-the property of our kind friend, and kept with a driver for the use of her soldiers-we were able to visit the places of interest in Washington with great comfort. Of this privilege we freely availed ourselves when business per mitted.
 On one of these occasions when we were at the Smithsonian institution, sawa tall man of striking appearance, and at once said to my comrades, "That is President Lincoln.'' But they were incredulous. They had read in southern papers that he never stirred out of the White House without a heavy guard, and at once they said, "You are trying to deceive us; don't you see there is no guard here?" l was a little puzzled by the absence of the guard myself, for had believed the story, and there were only one or two civilians with him; but I had seen Lincoln, who could not easily be forgotten. I said, "Come up and let us speak to him!" A little re- luctantly they advanced, and when we were near enough said, ''Can you tell us the name of this animal!'' pointing to the skeleton of the geologic monster he was looking at. He smiled in his kind, sad
 way and answered, '"That's it's name written on that card; but won't under take to pronounce it. I don't know much about such things" One or two remarks
 were exchanged on indifferent topics and
 then we parted. When at 8 safe distance
 Buffum said, "Pittenger, you can't play
 such joke on us as to make us believe
 that man who will speak to common folks in that off hand way is President
 Lincolnl'' But only replied, "We'u ge
 and see him at the White House soon anG | then you can judge" TO BE CONTINUED.